Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite to be pulled from console line-up?

Microsoft’s flagship Xbox 360 – the Elite – could soon be canned and replaced with limited-edition models linked to game launches, it has emerged.

The firm will, it's claimed, stop taking orders for the Elite during Q2 so that existing stocks of the top-of-the-range console can begin to shrink, according to sources speaking to website Fudzilla.

Limited-edition Elites – such as the recently unveiled red Resident Evil 5 bundle – will then be sold through selected retailers to maintain exclusivity.

It’s possible that limited-edition Elites may cost more than the current £200-ish ($275/€218) model, which comes with a 120GB hard drive. However, Microsoft may try to sweeten the deal by throwing in a larger hard drive and themed extras.

Since the existing Elite appeals mainly to the hardest of hardcore gamers, it’s reasonable to assume that Microsoft stands to make more money by selling the high-end console as a limited edition game-themed model.

Microsoft’s yet to comment, but it will surely be watching sales of upcoming limited-edition Xbox 360 Elite bundles to get an idea of how such a move would be viewed by gamers. ®